Faculty Profiles

909-558-7786; x. 87786 on campus
sbarcelo@llu.edu

Born and raised in Mexico, Dr. Saul Barcelo migrated to the United States to continue his education. This early experiences of being uprooted from familiar spaces allowed him to understand what it means to be “in between spaces” and at the same time helped him develop a border thinking that is reflected in his current work as a Pastor, Chaplain, Professor and Scholar.

After graduating from La Sierra University, Dr. Barcelo served as an associate pastor in the Southeastern California Conference. Following eight years of ministry working with young adults, Saul transitioned into health care ministries as a hospice chaplain. In 2011 he was invited to join the Chaplain Service staff of Loma Linda University Health where he cared predominantly for patients, families and staff at the LLU Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Barcelo joined the faculty of School of Religion in 2021 as the Director of the Center for Whole Person Care and an assistant professor. His research interests include topics of spirituality in healthcare, healthcare chaplaincy, ethics, the intersection of race and religion in society, theologies of liberation and Latinx identity and spirituality.

His education includes a Master’s degree in Clinical Ministries from Loma Linda University, as well as a Master’s degree and a PhD in Religion, Ethics and Politics from Claremont School of Theology.

Dr. Barcelo is married to Susie, and they have two sons and a daughter. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with the family and sampling new restaurants.

909-558-7478; x. 44026 on campus
wbraun@llu.edu

Dr. Braun de Lobatón received her BA degree in History and Political Science from La Sierra University, two MA degrees from LLU (MA in Biomedical and Clinical Ethics and MPH in Global Health) and a PhD in Theology, Ethics & Culture from Claremont Graduate University.

909-558-7478; x. 83452 on campus
eccarter@llu.edu

A dual citizen of the United States and Norway, Dr. Erik C. Carter received degrees in theology and religion from Southern Adventist University and Andrews University, as well as a DMin from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. His PhD is from Claremont School of Theology.

Carter is an ordained minister in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and served as a pastor in various districts throughout the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference. In addition to pastoral ministry, he also has significant experience in pastoral care and counseling, and holds a clinical membership in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). By serving in these ways, he has worked with churches, hospitals, agencies, families, couples, and individuals in seeking healing and wholeness.

In 2014, Carter was invited to join the faculty at the School of Religion, teaching in the area of practical theology. Carter has a deep concern for the faithfulness of the church, and speaks regularly around the country and abroad on matters of theological and spiritual renewal. His publications can be found in various professional and church-related journals.

Carter is married to Harmony Carter, a pediatric anesthesiologist at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Together, they have two children. His personal interests include spending time with family, ultralight backpacking, bodysurfing, traveling, and the creative arts.

909-558-7478; x. 82338 on campus
jdewhyte@llu.edu

Dr. De-Whyte has studied and graduated from Newbold College (Bachelor of Divinity), Andrews University (MA Old Testament) and McMaster Divinity College (PhD Old Testament).

909-558-7478; x. 15952 on campus
jgang@llu.edu

Dr. Gang earned his BA in Religion from Southern Adventist University, an MDiv from the SDA Theology Seminary, and a DMin in practical theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.

909-558-7478; x. 42092 on campus
mgarner@llu.edu

Dr. Garner received her Ph.D. in Religion from Boston University. She also holds an M.A. degree in philosophy of religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Her undergraduate degree in theology was received from Universidade Adventista de São Paulo, in Brazil.

909-558-7478; x. 42942 on campus
misaac@llu.edu

Dr. Isaac received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from UCLA. His research interests include social determinates of health, healthcare disparities, and hospice/palliative care.

909-558-4945; x. 44945 on campus
tlevterov@llu.edu

A native of Bulgaria, Dr. Levterov graduated with a BA in Theology from Newbold College in England. Both his MDiv and his PhD degree were earned from the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University. His dissertation was titled, “The Development of the Seventh-day Adventist Understanding of Ellen G White’s Prophetic Gift: 1844-1889,” which combined his dual areas of interest and expertise in Adventist studies and historical theology.

His professional experience includes pastoring in Bulgaria and the United States, and since 2011 he has been the Director of the Ellen G White Estate branch office on the Loma Linda University campus, as well as a faculty member of the LLU School of Religion.

Dr. Levterov holds membership in Phi-Kappa-Phi, the Adventist Society of Religious Studies, and the Society of Biblical Literature. He is also fluent in the English, Bulgarian, and Russian languages.

He has authored several books, including Accepting Ellen White: Early Seventh-day Adventists and the Gift of Prophecy Dilemma, published by Pacific Press in 2016. He has also written numerous book reviews and articles, and continues to present lectures and seminars on topics related to Ellen White and SDA Church history.

Dr. Levterov is married and the father of three sons and enjoys reading, music, sports, soccer, and traveling in his limited free time.

909-558-4956; x. 44956 on campus
ysma@llu.edu

Yi Shen Ma earned his graduate degree in Religion, Ethics, and Politics from Claremont School of Theology where he also completed his doctoral degree. His research interests are at the intersection of political theory, Christian theology, and social ethics. His undergraduate degree was received from La Sierra University. Before he joined Loma Linda University, he worked as an associate pastor and served in the United States Navy as a religious program specialist. Outside of academia, he volunteers as a choir director and is part of numerous musical groups.

909-558-7478; x. 88433 on campus
jpaulien@llu.edu

Dr. Paulien received his bachelor’s degree in theology from Atlantic Union College, which included a year abroad studying in West Germany. His MDiv degree (1975) and his PhD in New Testament (1987) were both earned from Andrews University.

Early in his career, Dr. Paulien was a church pastor in New York and Michigan before attending graduate school. After teaching at the SDA Seminary at Andrews University for many years, he came to LLU in 2007 as Dean of the newly-formed School of Religion.

He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Adventist Society for Religious Study, and the Chicago Society for Biblical Research. He has also served on numerous committees and study projects within the Adventist Church and professional organizations. Dr. Paulien is listed in Who’s Who in Religion, Who's Who in Biblical Studies and Archaeology, Who's Who in America, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and the Directory of American Scholars.

Dr. Paulien is a well-respected biblical scholar and a prolific writer. He has written dozens of book reviews, and has been published on topics relating to the history of the Adventist Church and the book of Revelation. He is a specialist in the Johannine literature in the new Testament (Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation), and the intersection of faith with contemporary culture. Many of his books have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, Japanese, and the Korean languages. He also takes special delight in seminars and presentations to non-specialists who can make practical use of the material in the real world.

Dr. Paulien has traveled to the seven last cities mentioned in the book of Revelation and filmed a series of DVDs on location for the Hope Channel; written chapters on Daniel and Revelation and the apostle Paul for high school religion textbooks for the Adventist church; and conducted many television and radio interviews over the years. He is also a consulting editor of the Andrews University Seminary Studies.

Outside of academia, Dr. Paulien enjoys being with his wife Pamella and their three children, and also enjoys travel, golf and photography when time permits.

909-558-7478; x. 15097 on campus
zplantak@llu.edu

A native of Croatia, Dr. Plantak received his BA in Theology from Newbold College in England. He then earned an MA in Theology from Andrews University, and a postgraduate certificate in Pastoral Counseling and Church Growth before receiving a PhD. in Theology and Christian Ethics from King’s College, University of London.

Early in his career, Dr. Plantak pastored in England, and has been a youth ministries leader and speaker/presenter at numerous Conferences and Lectureships. For sixteen years he was at Washington Adventist University in Maryland, where he held various positions, among them directing a master’s program and chairing the religion department. In addition to his regular teaching duties, Dr. Plantak also developed several online courses (for both undergraduate and graduate levels) in the area of ethical leadership, public service ethics, and ethics in the modern world. He has also led a number of educational tours of the Holy Land and Europe.

Until recently he chaired the Board of the Center for Metropolitan Ministry (Washington, DC), is a past president and current Executive Secretary and Treasurer of the Adventist Society of Religious Studies. He was for years a member of the Board of Ministerial and Theological Education for the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (BMTE) and the World Church (IBMTE). Other professional affiliations include the Academy for Professionalism in Health Care, the Adventist Peace Fellowship (APF), the American Academy of Religion (AAR), the American Philosophical Association (PA), the American Society for Bioethical and Humanities, Society for Biblical Literature (SBL), Society of Adventist Philosophers (SAP), and the Society of Christian Ethicists (SCE).

Due to his expertise in the area of Christian ethics, Dr. Plantak served on the Internal Review Board of Washington Adventist Hospital and the Institutional Biohazards Committee for research on human subjects of both Washington Adventist Hospital, Shady Grove Hospital, and Montgomery County hospitals (Maryland). Publications include articles in professional journals and religious magazines, numerous chapters in books, as well as a book on human rights and social justice. Dr. Plantak has been on numerous accreditation visits both for WSCUC and AAA accrediting organizations and has directed and chaired the 2021-22 AAA accreditation process as well as served as the editor for the LLU AAA Self-study in 2021.

Outside of academia, Dr. Plantak enjoys a wide variety of interests, including travel, food from many cultures, and quality time with his family

909-558-4570; x. 44570 on campus
rroberts@lluc.org

“Pastor Randy” was born in South America of missionary parents, and spent the majority of his life before college in Latin American countries.

Randy received his undergraduate degree from Southwestern Adventist University, and his MDiv from the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He also has an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from the US International University in San Diego, California (and is a licensed marriage and family therapist), as well as a DMin from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

His career includes pastoring in Texas for more than five years before moving to Loma Linda. In 1987 he began work as a chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Center. During the next several years he was also instrumental in establishing and leading the Medical Center’s grief recovery program.

Randy has been on the faculty at the LLU School of Religion since 1994. In addition to teaching, he has pastored the Corona Seventh-day Adventist Church, and became senior pastor of the LLU Church in 2000. Since 2016, Randy has also served as Vice President for Spiritual Life and Mission for Loma Linda University Health.

Dr. Roberts has spoken to many and varied audiences both nationally and internationally; has written articles for various publications; and has authored one book for Pacific Press, entitled, The End is Near (Again).

He is married to Anita, and they have a son and a daughter. His hobbies include playing sports, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys (!), and reading.

909-558-7478 x. 44566 on campus
JeffreyRosario@llu.edu

Dr. Rosario received his MA in Religion at Yale University with a concentration in the history of Christianity. He completed his PhD in History at the University of Cambridge where his research focused on religion’s complex role in shaping and influencing the trajectory of society and politics.

His writing has been published in academic journals like Diplomatic History (Oxford University Press) and the Oxford Handbook of Seventh-day Adventism, as well as the Washington Post. He has presented his research at the American Society of Church History (ASCH), American Academy of Religion (AAR), Historians of the Twentieth-Century United States (HOTCUS), and the Association of Seventh-day Adventist Historians (ASDAH).

He has taught seminars on religion for over fifteen years at college campuses, conferences, and churches. His ministry experience includes serving as pastor, evangelist, discipleship trainer, and instructor for Light Bearers ministry. Jeffrey is married to Marianna, who is completing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a specialization in anesthesia.

btaylor@llu.edu

Dr. Taylor received his doctorate degree from Hebrew Union College in Bible: Texts and Versions. His masters degrees were earned at Andrews Universtiy and Hebrew Union College in Biblical Languages and Hebraic and Cognate Studies respectively.

909-558-7478; x. 46268 on campus
cthomsen@llu.edu

Dr. Thomsen has been teaching for the LLU School of Religion since 1999, with expertise in the areas of grief and bereavement, spiritualty and therapy, and integrative patient care.

Dr. Thomsen’s educational background includes a BA in Theology (La Sierra University), an MDiv from the Theological Seminary at Andrews University, a DMin from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Marital and Family therapy from LLU.

He has pastored several SDA congregations in Southern California, most recently at the Loma Linda University Church as the Pastor for Family Life Ministry. He has also been a research associate for the LLU Center for Spiritual Life and Wholeness; served on committees and boards of non-profit and church-related organizations, including the Adventist Health System; and presented and published extensively on topics ranging from various aspects of psycho-social dynamics of religion to spirituality in family relationships. His particular area of specialty is in the neuroscience of spirituality, and he is known for bringing cutting-edge research into his classes, generating great dialogue and discussion.

In addition to his teaching commitments, he serves on the Professional Advisory Committee for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at the LLU Medical Center, and on the LLU School of Dentistry Admissions Committee.

Dr. Thomsen is married and the father of two adult children. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, photography, cycling, and music (piano, choral, and guitar.

sktonstad@llu.edu

Sigve Tonstad was born and raised in Norway. He completed a B.A. in Theology at Middle East College in Lebanon and Andrews University (1974), his MD from Loma Linda University (1979), an MA in Biblical Studies at LLU (1990), and a PhD in New Testament Studies at the University of St. Andrews (2005). He also spent a semester at Duke University studying with E. P. Sanders and Richard B. Hays.

He has written books and many articles in Norwegian. His English-language books are The Scandals of the Bible (2000; Saving God’s Reputation; The Theological Function of Pistis Iesou in the Cosmic Narratives of Revelation (T. & T. Clark, 2006); and The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day (Andrews University Press, 2009). Most recently Dr. Tonstad has completed a manuscript entitled God of Sense and Traditions of Non-Sense: Reading the Bible in the 21st Century (not yet published).

His teaching and research interests are the problem of suffering (theodicy), Johannine Literature, Paul as an apostle of hope (Romans and Galatians), ecological hermeneutics, and biblical ethics. He is married to Serena Hasso Tonstad, a physician and preventive medicine expert. They have two grown daughters. In his spare time, Sigve enjoys running, rollerblading, and cross country skiing.

gwinslow@llu.edu

For over five decades, Gerald Winslow has taught and written about ethics, especially biomedical ethics. During this time, he has served as an academic administrator and health care executive. He is the Founding Director of the Institute for Health Policy and Leadership. Most recently, he was the Director of the Center for Christian Bioethics and currently serves on LLU’s Institutional Review Board. As Research Professor, Dr. Winslow will focus on scholarly research and publications regarding Adventist bioethics and the ongoing development of the Adventist Bioethics Consortium.

He received his undergraduate education at Walla Walla University and his M.A. degree at Andrews University. He earned his Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. He has been a visiting scholar at Cambridge University, University of Virginia, and the University of Tübingen. He has published two books and over one hundred journal articles and book chapters. He has lectured on biomedical ethics throughout North America, Australia, Europe, Russia, Africa, and Asia. He also served as a consultant in biomedical ethics for major health care systems and for research conducted by pharmaceutical companies.